South Lyon Announces Community Development Block Grant Funding Allocations for 2025

South Lyon’s Community Development Block Grant Funding Allocations Announced for 2025

In a recent city council meeting, it was officially announced that South Lyon will allocate its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for the year 2025. The funds will be divided between the South Lyon Senior Center and The Haven of Oakland County, a service dedicated to supporting women affected by domestic violence.

Understanding the Allocation

This allocation is a significant step forward, especially after last year’s unfortunate funding situation. Councilwoman Margaret Kurtzweil shed light on the importance of providing support to women in the community, saying, “Haven is a community program that supports women who are victims of domestic violence.” She pointed out that, despite women in South Lyon benefitting from The Haven’s services in Pontiac, the organization received no funding from the city last year. This left many supporters concerned about the continuity of care for those vulnerable residents.

On the other hand, last year, the funds went to support an organization known as Active Faith, which provides vital food and clothing resources to those in need within the community. While it was essential to support local initiatives, the lack of funding for The Haven raised eyebrows and left a few council members promising to rectify the situation.

Responsibility Towards the Community

Councilman Glenn Kivell explained the city’s difficult decision regarding the past allocation. “We had an obligation to something that was in our own backyard to make sure they could transition from the old building to the new building,” he said, emphasizing how important it was to ensure that the services provided to residents were seamless and uninterrupted.

Reflecting on the city’s commitments, Kivell underscored the willingness of the council to strengthen its ties with The Haven. “The lady from Haven certainly understood,” he noted, highlighting a sense of camaraderie and support between the city and the organization. “We’re making our bond to them from what we said at that time, that we would make this whole for you from now on.” This statement signals that South Lyon’s city officials are aware of the pressing needs within their community and are committed to ensuring that there is sufficient funding for essential services going forward.

Future Funding Breakdown

When it comes to the financial specifics, The Haven of Oakland County will receive just under $4,200 in CDBG funds. Meanwhile, the South Lyon Senior Center is set to receive a much larger sum of just under $28,000. This disparity may raise questions regarding the distribution of funds, but it is important to recognize the different roles that each organization plays within the community.

Conclusion

The decision to split the funding between these two valuable organizations reflects the city’s commitment to nurturing both senior citizens and support systems for vulnerable women. It highlights how South Lyon is actively engaging with its community’s needs and working towards a more inclusive environment. With this new allocation in place for 2025, both organizations can focus on what they do best: serving the residents of this caring community. As the year progresses, it’s hopeful that these newfound resources will create opportunities for collaboration and mutual support among organizations serving South Lyon’s diverse population.